Publisher’s note: Neuse News began a soft launch on June 13, 2018 and two weeks later began a full digital publication to include the Neuse Newsletter, online stories, and social media links and videos. As we look back at 2018, we’re sharing the top five stories from June through December. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for subscribing. And, thank you for allowing us to help tell our community’s story.

#5. A-G runners honor fallen teammate at meet

by Scott Cole

At an Eastern Carolina 2A cross country match at Ayden-Grifton against Washington and South Lenoir, Ayden-Grifton senior runners wore black armbands with the initials of Allyssa Colclough on them. Colclough, who was a student at Ayden Middle School, committed suicide four years ago at the age of 13.

The students wore the armbands to honor Colclough and bring awareness to the issue of bullying. The gesture shows how the community can rally around each other and create meaningful, healing moments even in the wake of sadness.

Read this story: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/8/29/charger-runners-honor-former-teammate-at-meet

#4. Bryan Hanks: My suggestions for renaming the Woodmen Community Center

by Bryan Hanks

Formerly the Woodmen Community Center, the Kinston Community Center is the temporary moniker for the workout and community facility on Vernon Avenue. In this column, Bryan Hanks offers his suggestions for the center’s name based on recent contributors to the community and center.

Some of the suggestions: Bill Ellis, for his contributions with the Neuse Nature Center, the planetarium, and professional baseball; Stephen Hill, for his dedication to the Kinston arts community and the building of the center; George Whitfield, for his place in dozens of sports halls of fame and role as advocate for Kinston throughout North Carolina; Danny Rice, for his work as a conduit between Lenoir County and the Woodmen of the World; and Jerry Stackhouse, to help the center become more of a tourist destination, among others.

Read this column: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/8/11/bryan-hanks-my-suggestions-for-renaming-the-woodmen-community-center

#3. John Nix: Industrial hemp might be ENC’s new cash crop

by John Nix

Central to the economy of eastern North Carolina is agriculture, and the rise of industrial hemp as a profitable crop promises important implications for the agricultural community. The hemp plant contains less than 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis, and was legalized for industrial cultivation in 2014, with the NC Industrial Hemp Pilot Program.

Currently, there are 11 growers licensed in Lenoir County and about 500 statewide. Hemp has a wide variety of uses, from medicinal oils made from the flower, to shampoos and lip balms from the seeds and textiles made from the fibers, and as it grows in popularity and awareness, offers opportunities for the communities of eastern North Carolina.

Read this column: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/8/6/john-nix-column

#2. Local Kinston Fire Department legend Basden passes away

by Junious Smith III

This story recognizes the contributions of Guy Basden, former Kinston firefighter and local historian who died this August at 82 years old. Basden was the captain of the Kinston Fire Department and former Fire Marshall. After his retirement, he was instrumental to the foundation and upkeep of the Caswell Station 1 Fire Museum. Basden was known for his local involvement, including continued support to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and monthly visits to Wounded Warriors in Goldsboro.

Read this story: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/8/16/guy-basden-passes-away

#1. Lip sync video: Lenoir County Emergency Services and Down East Wood Ducks

by Neuse News

Lenoir County Emergency Services and Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue join in the national lip sync battle among first responder services with their musical response to an emergency situation with DEWD of the Down East Wood Ducks. From emergency dispatch to DEWD’s revival, the emergency services professionals dance and sing along to a musical medley to keep DEWD “safe and sound”.

Watch this video: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/8/6/lip-sync-video-lenoir-county-emergency-services-and-down-east-wood-ducks